The Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) program at Kennedy is having its highest participation yet, with 75 student mentors for the 2025-2026 school year. This is a 19% increase from the previous year, and 67% increase from the last seven years.
“I think our team has grown for several reasons,” said MVP sponsor Jennifer Wagner.“Students want to make a difference in their community at Kennedy and beyond. I’ve been here over 20 years, and any activity, club or organization that gives students a chance to lead and have a positive impact has thrived.”
The MVP program focuses on student leadership in preventing violence and promoting a healthy community among peers. This year’s 10-12th grade members will go through training on Sept. 12th. They will then be assigned freshman homeroom classes to visit throughout the year, discussing topics like abuse, mental health and more.
“One of the core beliefs in MVP is that it’s student-led, not teacher-driven,” Wagner said. “I function only in a way to organize the team, but the students do the work and own the power and purpose of MVP.”
A key reason many students are able to participate in MVP is that it is designed to fit into students’ busy schedules.
“We can make a difference with one conversation a month. It’s certainly better than not trying at all.” Wagner said.
Students join MVP in the spring by applying or being recommended by teachers. Malick Sogur, a senior, has been involved in MVP since his sophomore year.
“I joined MVP my sophomore year as I felt speaking on violence to freshmen could be helpful since it is an issue they will only encounter more as they enter high school,” Sogur said. “Many of their friends will enter relationships or experience other life events, and I felt the knowledge gained through MVP could help someone.”
Being a mentor gave Sogur a new perspective. This was through demonstrating what to do in serious situations and making students feel more comfortable speaking about certain subjects.
“What I took away from last year is…engaging students on subjects they might not be comfortable with is no easy task.” Sogur said.“[It is important for] lesson plans to be as relevant as possible.”
Sophomore Dilynn Brekke is a first-time member, and noted how MVP stood out to her as a freshman. According to Brekke, MVP’s lessons were inspirational to her and resonated a lot with her and her peers.
“My first impression of MVP was that it was something that genuinely brought light to situations that high schoolers go through every single day across the U.S.” Brekke said. “I want to improve the program by simply being a part of it. As someone who sees a lot of importance in mental health, I think the more people a part of it, the better.”
Wagner does not see MVP slowing down anytime soon. Recommended students will be emailed a sign up form in the spring. Any others wishing to join can contact Mrs. Wagner for more information.
“I can’t imagine a time we would ever turn people away from MVP because we have too many people,” Wagner said.
